New Zealand 28 day tour

This is a suggested 28 day tour covering both islands of New Zealand. I suggest a rental car to get the most out of your time in the country. There is no need to pay for the car ferry between the North and South Islands, just drop off one side and book another car on the other side. You can just travel as a passenger on the Interisland Ferry and enjoy the views.

I am a great believer in booking as much for a holiday as I can before hand. I see so many people arrive somewhere without any accommodation and then having to waste time finding somewhere that suits them, their budget and that has a vacancy. This time could be better spent enjoying the scenery or relaxing. Just cut out the stress.

On the table below you can click through to accommodation options on all of the suggested night stops. There are a few places with a longer stay so just mix and match where you go and stay to suit the holiday that you would like. The driving time are approximate and can vary due to traffic, (not a big problem outside of the big cities), road conditions and the number of times you stop to take photographs!

This extensive itinerary provides a total view of New Zealand, and takes in all the most significant sights and attractions. In the North Island you’ll discover beautiful beaches, kauri forests, caves and phenomenal geothermal activity. In the South Island the emphasis is on grand mountain scenery, adventure activities, historic architecture and wildlife encounters. Throughout the country there are vineyards and inspired restaurants to discover, while the cities present you with cultural entertainments and the chance to buy quality, locally-made clothing, art works and home wares. By the end of your holiday, you’ll know New Zealand from top to toe.

Day 

Accommodation

Activities

Travel

1

 Waiheke Island

Arrive Auckland, Rest up on Waiheke Island after your flight

35 minute ferry trip

2

 Auckland

Auckland Sightseeing

No driving just 35 minute ferry trip

3

 Bay of Islands

Pick up Rental Car

4 hours

4

 Bay of Islands

Sightseeing

Car or boat your choice

5

 Auckland

Sightseeing

4 hours

6

 Auckland

Sightseeing

Car, bus, ferry, walk, your choice

7

 Waitomo

Glow Worm Caves, stay the night or carry on to Rotorua

4 hours

8

 Rotorua

Thermal Action

4 hours

9

 Rotorua

Thermal Action

Sightseeing

10

 Taupo 

Sightseeing, stay the night or carry on to Napier

1.5 hours

11

 Napier

Wine Country

3 hours

12

 Napier

Wine Country, stay second night or carry on to Wellington

Sightseeing

13

 Wellington

Sightseeing longer drive today

6 hours

14

 Wellington

Sightseeing

Sightseeing

15

 Picton

Marlborough Sounds what a beautiful cruise

5 hour ferry trip

16

 Christchurch

Driving, maybe enough time to visit Kaikoura

6 hours

17

 Christchurch

Sightseeing Parks, Gardens, Artic Centre

Sightseeing - Maybe visit Akaroa

18

 Mt Cook

Mountains and Glaciers

4.5 hours

19

 Wanaka

Lakes and Mountains

3 hours

20

 Queenstown

Adventure, Jet Boating, Bungy Jumping

2.5 hours

21

 Queenstown

Day trip to Milford Sound

Sightseeing

22

 Queenstown

Plenty to do and see

Sightseeing

23

 Franz Joseph / Fox

Driving and sightseeing through the beautiful mountains

7.5 hours

24

 Franz Joseph / Fox

Glaciers, Helicopter trips

Sightseeing

25

 Greymouth

Old gold mining region

3.5 hours

26

 Nelson

Sightseeing - Arts and food

6 hours

27

 Blenheim

Wine Country

2.5 hours

28

 Auckland

Sightseeing and stay near the airport

Fly to Auckland from Blenheim